Range Extension of Mactra aequisulcata G.B. Sowerby III, 1894 to the Karnataka Coast, Arabian Sea

Abstract

Mactridae is well-known as a family of “surf clams”. Mactrids are edible bivalves and have important economic roles in Asian countries. This paper documents the arrival of the non-native bivalve Mactra aequisulcata G.B. Sowerby III, 1894 in a shallow-water basin of Padukere, located near to St. Mary’s island along southwest coast of India. This clam is reported from Karnataka coast along southwest coast of India for the first time. This species represents the first obligatory suspension-feeding soft bottom mactrid in low salinity which ranged from 25.3 to 27.7 PSU. Low concentration of salinity likely controls survival of species and further spread in the region. Invasion of this species in Padukere may be through ballast water from its native range and later it might distribute nearby coastal areas. This suggests that more bivalves could be discovered and further investigations may be warranted in Indian waters.